This is such a cool place to have a coffee date or to bring friends visiting out of town. We had double espresso (great) and some bagel and pastries (just OK). It seems crowded most of the time so I would only go during hours when I can actually get a table and take in the ambiance. read more

This quiet coffeehouse is unpretentious and tucked away from the Ave. They do also have a broad selection of board games in case you come with a friend or date. The best time to come is when it is raining--especially if you find an empty window seat or a booth in the back room. (Bonus: the signage/graffiti on the brick walls in the bathroom is always a mood-lifter.) Enjoy! read more

I've been coming to Allegro for 3 years now. It is my peaceful place in the U District where I can get away from school and lab work to enjoy a great cup of coffee. Even though their prices are a little high, I think it's worth it for great coffee in a cool location and good service. I also buy their coffee for my French press at home, which is also really good. read more

I was visiting Seattle and wanted a nice coffee shop to study. I was excited to try this place and the atmosphere and lighting was really nice. But was immediately disappointed by rude staff that had poor customer service. I asked about their baked good but they were very sarcastic. And when looking for the wifi password the cashier was very standoffish and rude. As a lover of coffee and coffee shops, after getting my coffee I was debating on just walking out but decided to stay because of the nice study area. So if you want a nice place to study but don't mind rude staff then this is a great place. read more

Coffee is OK, but the atmosphere is pretty cool. Mostly students studying. Some nice outdoor seating.

This place is great to crank out a good study session or paper. There are two rooms (and another extra upstairs) but it's all about the front room (if you can grab a spot!). The giant windows provide great lighting (sometimes I have an issue with dim lighting in coffee shops) and the tables and walls are always nicely decorated. It just feels so cozy inside. The pastries are pretty decent and the coffee is alright. I usually go for an Irish cream latte. The baristas have always been nice with me, although they can come across as a little haggard. I don't blame them for the amount of customers they have! It gets pretty busy during lunch time, obviously. read more

Terrific iced Americano. This place gets many bonus points for being right around the corner from the used bookstore Magus. When you're weary of browsing the stacks there, you can buy something incredible to read, and head down the alley to Allegro Cafe to enjoy it with your coffee. Pleasant, happy staff and great big windows with an easy-going atmosphere. Lots of study buddying here. read more

Self claimed "Seattle's oldest coffee shop", which is probably true. I read that they have a second floor seating area, but I did not see it.. Great espresso coffee read more

They are always and I mean always out of all sandwiches, even at 9:30 in the morning. I have come here twice a week for six weeks and I've managed to get a sandwich once. They apparently don't get their delivery until two in the afternoon, which makes me wonder why they have a section on their menu labeled breakfast in the first place. Service can be a little abrupt. Limited outlets which is kind of odd for a shop where a lot of people go to study. Coffee is mediocre (if inoffensive) and (personal preference) it comes in a weird tall glass (I prefer ceramic, though I am not taking any stars off for this because it really is just a weird quirk of mine). I feel Solstice has better espresso, but Allegra has better atmosphere in that it is well lit and spacious. Customers are always good about sharing tables if you need an outlet, so I suppose I have to give Allegra props for doing something to foster that kind of environment. I'll be back of course because it's the best study spot for me, but I wish they'd improve on these things somehow. I love coffee and coffee shop culture so I am always looking to form a bond with a place and its baristas but it's hard to do here. read more

I understand the aesthetic, but you have to fulfill on quality, and these folks don't. I went in with a new acquaintance who I'd just met. We found a two top and went to the bar for service. I asked for the "fresh" orange juice. At the price I thought I would get fresh squeezed, but no such luck. Poured out of an anonymous pitcher, the OJ was not fresh and not the right color. The baked goods were stale at 1 p.m. Also, the tables are so wobbly that it's tough not to spill if you use the table as a desk. On the other hand, the staff were clearly hipsters in dress, tats and piercings, so I must have been cool just being there. read more

This is my most favorite coffee spot in Seattle. Their chocolate and pumpkin spice latte are very good. Would recommend to anyone!

Allegro's by far my favorite coffee shop in the U District. The ambiance is perfect; slightly darkened rooms full of scarred up old furnishings and people with books, laptops, and friends. The coffee is good, although I prefer a chai (they carry Morning Glory chai, not that sticky-sweet stuff found at many places). I've never found the staff to be rude, although they aren't necessarily warm and fuzzy either. Yesterday a few friends and I asked them to settle a debate about whether or not my friend's jacket was "girly" and they joined right in. Regarding the earlier review about the barista saying "the line starts there": to be fair, there is a huge sign stating the same on the counter, and I think the point is to keep access to the supplies (sugar, straws, silverware, etc) at the other end of the counter open. Maybe *you* weren't in the way, but the next person who came in and got in line behind you might have been. read more

An original in Seattle. I LOVE this place. Good STRONG latte. I miss the upstairs smoking area.

Great casual place to meet up. Although they're hidden in the alley, they were packed the first time I visited. They have seating downstairs AND upstairs which makes it a pretty unique place. I tried their sweet chai latte, 3-cheese quiche, and croissant, all of which were delicious! Can get a bit noisy, so not a recommended place for hardcore studying/work. read more

I've been here a couple times in the early morning (~7am) to grab a coffee and get some work done, and this place is slowly becoming my favorite coffee shop on the Ave. The entrance is a little hard to find (you enter through an alley behind the building, not from the listed address which is on the Ave), but that's part of its charm. The baristas are very friendly and welcoming, which is not the experience you get at most coffee shops in Seattle, and the drinks are good. I've tried the Spicy Chai and the Mocha, and while they weren't extraordinary, they didn't disappoint. The Chai had a good kick to it, and the Mocha had just the right amount of chocolate so that it wouldn't be overpowering and was very smooth, not powdery. There are a couple of seating areas (as well as an upstairs patio) which are all very well lit. From what I could see there were a good amount of outlets as well. It's a nice place to get some work done peacefully. I'll definitely be back! read more

Good coffee, sometimes the employees seem overworked. The seating can be hard to find, but if you do it's a nice study environment close to campus. read more

I've visited this cafe on a few separate occasions and have always had good experiences. The atmosphere is nice and cozy for studying or meeting friends. The baristas I've met before have been welcoming and cheerful, which is one of the biggest contributors to a positive experience in a coffee shop. However this is what made my most recent visit so disappointing. The man working was extremely unpleasant. He was not approachable and barely acknowledged me as I attempted to order. He then told me that I should really learn to tip. Another woman in the cafe told me not to worry, as he does that to everyone. And in response to this woman politely confronting him, he swore at her and told her to get out. I was originally willing to give this barista the benefit of the doubt, but after scrolling through these reviews I see that this is a frequent occurrence. I don't want the rest of the staff to take the brunt of these negative reviews on account of this man, but unfortunately this experience made for an unpleasant visit overall, and I find myself much less motivated to return. read more

My friend introduced me to this place when I first moved to Seattle and I've just now gotten around to reviewing... pretty damn good coffee and it looks like they have interesting variations and mixes (like some mexican chocolate deal that sounds tempting) ... good roast, they don't burn it, and tastes good. read more

I give Allegra five stars simply for the pure bliss my wife and I call their white chocolate mocha. They use good coffee with powdered Ghirardelli's White Chocolate and it is divine. The building itself is unique and before construction began on the behemoth building next door I would say it was quaint, now unfortunately it is void of all sunlight due to the tall multi-use building sucking all life from you as you walk by. I know that is a bit dramatic but it Allegra has a European Cafe feel to it, and then you look outside at the next door neighbor and that vision is squashed. All in all great coffee, average to subpar staff, but the coffee makes up for it. read more

Allegro is a great hidden gem of the U-District. The first time I went there I got lost looking for another place (it is tucked away in an alleyway). The coffee is top notch, and probably the best in the U-District. I'd suggest the drip coffee, mocha, and chai. And if you're looking for some good pastries be sure to try the plain donuts and the quiches. The best place to sit for quiet is in the back room, or upstairs. These areas have a good amount of seating and people usually don't hog the spaces for long. Also, be sure to music performances when offered. They always have good local artists/groups. Beware, the wifi is temperamental. Sometimes it works well, others times it is painfully slow. read more

A nice little shop with lots of history of its own :) Their coffee was really good and inexpensive.

One of the best chai tea lattes I've had, served by super friendly baristas! Love the location and vibe. Good for studying, catching up with friends, or people watching. read more

I generally divide coffee shops into two general categories: "social cafes" where the environment is suited for long sprawling group conversations and "technical cafes" where I can sit down, get a coffee, and work on the projects I need to work on. Allegro is a social cafe, for the most part, although it is relatively easy enough to get work done here. I've heard alll sorts of interesting conversations, mostly from the student crowd who tend to camp out here. Social cafes tend to have ramshackly wooden chairs, and this one is no different. This cafe in particular is the epitome of grunge; grunge architecture, grunge colors, grunge baristas. If you want to listen to Nirvana and Pearl Jam, look around you, and feel the plaid, this is the place to do it. (Some Led Zeppelin in there too). It's in a weird location in a back alley, the upstairs is only available by going outside and back in, the restroom is the most postage stamp one I've ever seen. The back room(s) are a godsend, though - no intrusive music, generally not too much in the way of noise (especially upstairs, though it's closed as of this writing), enough plugs that things aren't too bad for the laptop crowd. I don't come here too often - not really comfy enough for some reason, and a bit gloomy - but I never feel unwelcome. read more

Best gluten free coffee and tea in Seattle. Love the upstairs seating area. I also love their banana bread, but this is not gluten free as far as I can tell. Definitely recommend this place!! read more

Great coffee, great snacks. Overall one of the better coffee spots in the u district.

I have to say, although I love this location, general ambiance and coffee, the barista's here are too rude for me to ever think about going back. read more

I miss silent Allegro mornings. Now that the HUB is under construction students mindlessly peck around the Ave and the Allegro is the closest to sit down and work through the day. they used to call my lovely coffeehouse a den of creepy old people in the good olden days. read more

This coffee shop is great. It's in a very interesting location--the entrance is in an alley behind a bookstore. I've heard great things about the open mic night, and the coffee and tea is really great. It seems as though the people who go there are generally laid back and add to the environment. Great place to read, study or do art. Exactly what I look for in a coffee shop. I suggest it. read more

I feel strange writing a review for Allegro as my first yelp review ever, and as a frequent customer. But after what I just saw from the baristas I thought it necessary to give my favorite coffee place a wake up call. I come here a lot. I've been a student at UW for three years and prefer Allegro's dark, cozy vibes to most other places to study on or near the Ave. I usually get a latte or a drip coffee, and have always been pleased - although it may just be because those are hard to mess up, or because Jimmy is always my barista. Today I felt a little complicated; it's an overcast day but still rather warm so I decided to spring for an iced dirty chai. A chai tea, with a shot of espresso, over ice. While I waited in line I listened to the barista take the order of the man in front of me, who was a little eccentric. He voiced rather loudly at the barista when she was in the back room getting his juice that he would like also like a cold raspberry bar - she yelled back at him "what?" a few times before coming back to the counter and saying "I can't hear anything when you've got your face up against the partition like that". She said it in a pretty rude tone. She and the other barista laughed openly at the man while he was still at the counter, and then made a comment that sounded to me like they were saying he had Asberger's. I was surprised to say the least that they could openly ridicule a customer. When I said clearly to the barista in question that "I'd like a iced dirty chai please" - she asked me if I wanted "sweet or spicy" chai to which I responded sweet. I got a hot, spicy chai. Lady, maybe you're the one that needs to listen a little better. read more

In my opinion, best place to get hot chocolate on the Ave. And really, of the numerous coffee shops around Seattle that I've tried, this is my favorite place to get hot chocolate. Its not nearly chocolaty-enough in most places! And they stir it into the milk really well. My friends have said the coffee isn't the best. But they DO have this awesome upstairs seating area with a porch, which is great when every other coffee shop is packed, and when its really nice out. read more

I have been going to Cafe Allegro for the past 10 years. Very friendly staff! Love love love them. and I also love their coffee... I usually get Americano but tried their other stuff here and there, no complaints what so ever. They are including food items to their menus recently. Sometimes it gets too crowded but if you wait around a little bit, you will find a table to sit eventually. read more

This is hands down my favorite coffee shop in the world. I could probably write away the day talking about this place, since I've been a regular for 6 years. I like their steamed hot chocolate, and their strawberry italian sodas. It has a very very indie vibe, and I've met a lot of interesting people there: writers, IT workers, professors, phd students, artists, and musicians. Probably the main reason I keep coming back to this coffee shop since I no longer live in the Udistrict is it's atmosphere-its very relaxed, welcoming, and totally unpretentious. I go there to sit down, read my newspaper articles on my laptop or do work, drink my drink, talk to an old friend (or meet a new person!), and just relax. read more

I have been a regular customer at Allegro for some time. It has always been a funk palace but at least you could get decent coffee and get treated like a human being. The new management, now in place about a year or so, is an entirely different story. These have to be about the laziest, non customer service folk I have ever had to deal with in a commercial establishment. If you are ever confused about the tradition of customer over staff, never fear that is not true at the Allegro. Have a particularly bad experience with a service person and take it to management you can expect little to nothing will happen. If you plan on getting something done and need the Internet, forget about it. Being so close to the University you would think it would a priority, not even close. The WiFi is down 50% of the time,especially in the afternoon. So if you need some good coffee, some food, working Internet and a pleasant crew and environment, you can go just about anyplace else and spend your hard earned. read more

classic Seattle spot. Best coffee in town... really strong. I remember when there used to be just a parking lot in front many years ago. No matter whether their pastries are good or not its really about the ambiance and the fact that it is a true Seattle staple for many writers and cafe enthusiasts. read more

It definitely has that Hipster vibe everyone in Seattle wets their pants for. But, I feel like that was enough to delude everyone into not noticing how burnt and over-extracted the espresso was. read more

Nice atmosphere down a back street in the U-District. Espresso was a bit sharp for my liking. Get's 4th star for space.

Went here when my parents were in town for the sake of going to "Seattle's Oldest Coffee House". I ordered an Americano, my go-to drink, especially when I want to try out a new place. It wasn't terrible, but also nothing to get excited about. I expected better. The barista seemed agitated that not everyone knew what they wanted to order the second we walked in. Mind you, my parents rarely drink coffee. Actually my dad prefers tea. He asked if he could have an iced tea. "Yeah" the barista said with sort of a "duh..." look. At this point another lady came from the back to ring us up. I repeated what we had ordered and my dad asked if he could have his iced tea sweetened. The cashier said in a very snobby tone, "we do NOT sweeten our tea here". What's with the elitist attitude here? My parents are some of the sweetest people on earth and just in general, there's no need to be rude to people. Your coffee is not that good. read more

I wrote most of my dissertation at Allegro. Don't go here expecting the Ladro or Vita or Diva experience. Its not those places. Allegro has the best iced americanos, better than average pastry prices (including a half-price/day-old basket; however, the cookies suck--go with a donut), and, like every non-Starbucks in Seattle, an eclectic and sometimes eccentric staff. If you're not into that, don't go here expecting to be thrilled. But if you live nearby and are looking to "settle down" with a lovable cafe for the long term (say, undergrad or grad school), I recommend letting Allegro take you on several dates before you dump her. read more

Great atmosphere but what is most important to me in a good coffee shop/cafe is the staff and when i went they were so rude. I was the only one in line and they rushed me and made fun of me. read more

This place is terrible. I have gone three times and will NEVER go back. The first time, I thought maybe it was a mistake that my iced chai was almost all milk. The second time, I got a pastry that was overpriced but decent. The last time, I got a short cappuccino to go. The barista got out the tiniest little paper cup I've ever seen and dumped a small spoonful of cappuccino into it. It was so foamy that the cup was filled only half full after I mixed in some sugar and the foam went down. I got about three sips worth for $2.85. Never, never go here. It may claim to be a historical place and have some neat decor and a location that makes you feel like some kind of insider, but it's not worth it. read more